Our Refuge
by Robin Tyler
Riding in the back of a pickup truck was a frequented event in our town. Being raised in the 1970’s and early 80’s, we knew nothing about seatbelt requirements, or considered it dangerous riding in the back of a truck. On many occasions we rode to and from a local lake to go swimming. Happily seated on the wheel wells or on the flat bottom of the bed, we were off. The thought never entered our mind to jump over the sides of the truck while it was moving. We were safe and secure with family and friends. With squinted eyes and blowing hair, we were enjoying life.
Our bloodhound (Arlo) is a tender hearted wimp, except when someone gets close to his ‘biscuit’ (aka food). I’d gone to the feed store with our 3 dogs in the back of the truck. The guys at the feed store tossed the dog food in, and our blood hound perked up. All of a sudden the back of my truck became ‘his territory’ to protect as he could smell his ‘biscuit’ (aka food) through the plastic bag.
On the way home I could see our bloodhound bullying our much smaller dog (Molly), who had no interest in the bag of dog food. The fact she was in close proximity to the bag was enough to arouse Arlo. I opened my sliding back glass to referee.
The dogs could be seen in my rearview and side mirrors. About a mile from home, Molly appeared in my side mirror and placed her front feet over the edge of my truck. She had her head hung over the side and appeared to be looking for a soft place to land. She was unaware the sliding back glass would lead her to a place of refuge and safety from Arlo.
Before I could call her name, and invite her into the safety of the truck, she bailed out, hitting the asphalt. In my side mirror I could see her tumble and roll about 4 or 5 times. I knew she had to have broken something. I could not stop fast enough. Opening my door, she came trotting up. I let her ride up front in safety to escape the oppression caused by the bully, Arlo. She had a few scuffs on her nose and legs. Thankfully, she did not have any severe damage.
Oppression can cause us to do things we wouldn’t do in ordinary circumstances. Oppression is real. Arlo was being a tyrant. Pressure mounted in this oppressive situation. Molly felt she could not take any more and bailed out, hitting the hard asphalt. To her, the gamble of the pain in the fall was worth getting away from the trauma she was experiencing in the back of the truck.
Oppression can feel like it comes at us from all sides at once. At times it can feel if one more thing happens, we would bail out. Oppression comes from political, mental, spiritual, relational, emotional, and other areas of life. Oppression can come from external and internal sources. What begins as an enjoyable day, or an enjoyable life, can quickly turn oppressive with strained and unexpected circumstances. The clock keeps ticking, and the sun rises and falls. The oppression can linger for days, months, and even years. Our soul gets weary.
A safe ride with our eyes squinted and the wind blowing our hair is what we desire every day in life. We know those days can be few and far between at times. Daydreaming as a child, we imagine all the good stuff. Times of oppression likely was not under our radar in our daydreaming.
On oppressively hard days our Lord calls us into the safety of His presence to provide rest for our weary soul. Being beside Him, He helps us understand His Word. Equipping ourselves with His Word, we stand to fight with Him by our side using His Word against our oppressor (“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 NIV).
While on this ride called life, the Lord is our answer. Bullies will always be on this ride. In our Lord’s arms we find care, safety, and comfort. (“In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me; turn your ear to me and save me. Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.” Psalm 71:1–3 NIV) The turmoil, strife, and confusion we feel in this world full of oppression leaves our heads and hearts reeling. Bailing out may sometimes seem like a logical thing to do.
Escape to the Lord. His promises do not waver. Our Lord is our refuge from oppression. Others have gone before and found help navigating this oppressive world. They’ve stood on unwavering promises, and found the Lord to be their Refuge, Rescuer, Deliverer, Savior, Rock, and Fortress who is always there. (“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 9:9 NIV) There are others still searching for an escape from the oppression. Introduce them to the Lord, the Refuge they are looking for.
(If you, or someone you know, is struggling in this oppressive world, find refuge in the Lord. However, there are times when oppression requires help and guidance from a pastor or Christian counselor. If you find yourself here, go sooner than later.)
